Women and Islam

In a New York photography exhibit female Muslim students show off a range of work and attitudes toward self representation. While some pose in personal shots, three refuse to be photographed for religious reasons.

Egypt has appointed its first female official to certify marriages and divorces. The move has been met by public debate and opposition from some Muslim clerics who say women shouldn’t serve in the role.

Saudi women’s rights activists are pressing for reforms to lift the sharp restrictions they face in their conservative society. Some believe the time has finally come and they will soon have the right to drive.

Women’s eNews launched an eight-part series exploring how Muslim women manage customs, religious practices and women’s rights. This series is supported by a grant from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Managing an all-woman staff taught Michael Luongo he wasn’t as woman-friendly as he thought. In 1992, he worked in a department store where only men were allowed to wear pants. One saleswoman had five children and often missed work.

In Case You Missed It

It is being hailed as the most progressive state policy so far, going further than New Jersey, California and Rhode Island in various respects. But its showcase potential won’t be tested until the program gets going in 2018.